Faith by Michelle Larks

correct the world of all the ills. I’m just saying don’t become obsessed. Leave justice to God. We all reap what we sow, and Monet’s attacker is no different. God will tend to him,” Liz replied unwaveringly.
    Marcus looked at his watch impatiently. “I hear you, Liz. Now, if you’re ready, I need to get back to the hospital.”
    â€œI’ve said my peace, and I hope you heed my words. It wouldn’t hurt for both of you to get counseling, whether it’s with a psychologist or with Reverend Wilcox. You and Monet have been through a terrible ordeal. Don’t be too proud to ask for help,” Liz implored.
    â€œGotcha. Can we go?” Marcus asked, stepping toward the door.
    â€œSure. I think I left my jacket in the bedroom. I’ll go upstairs and grab it, and then I’ll be ready to go.” Liz rushed upstairs to the bedroom and returned to the kitchen. “Oh, do you want me to take Mitzi home with me? I know you’ll be in and out of the hospital over the next few days.”
    â€œI hadn’t thought about her,” Marcus admitted. “Let me get her things together and I’ll bring her out to the car.” He took a plastic bag out of the pantry and filled it with a couple cans of dog food and treats. Then he picked up Mitzi and put her jeweled leash around her neck. After he was done, Marcus took his keys out of his pocket and locked the back door. He and Liz walked to Liz’s car, and when she unlocked the door, Marcus put Mitzi in the backseat.
    Liz got in her car and said, “I’ll drop Mitzi off at my house and meet you at the hospital.” The Harrisons lived a few miles from Marcus and Monet’s house.
    Marcus entered his SUV and started it up. When he arrived at the hospital, he was surprised to see Liz pulling in the hospital parking lot behind him. After he parked his vehicle, he waited for Liz, and they walked inside the hospital.
    Liz went directly to Monet’s room, while Marcus made a detour to the security area. Smitty had gone back to the precinct, and Wade and the team were wrapping up for the day.
    Wade looked at Marcus, shook his head, and said, “Why am I not surprised you’re here and not upstairs where you should be?” He picked up some notes off the table.
    â€œâ€™Cause you know me, and you know I won’t rest until there’s some resolution to the case,” Marcus said intensely. “I take it there’s nothing new, or you would’ve called me.”
    â€œCorrect. There haven’t been any new developments. And yes, I know you won’t give up finding Monet’s attacker. I’m done for the day after I talk to the policemen that Smitty assigned here. They’re en route, and will stay here all night, just in case the perp is foolish enough to come back, which I doubt.” Wade stood up and slipped on his jacket. “They should be here any minute.”
    Five minutes later, the door opened, and two plain clothes policemen walked into the room. They exchanged greetings and sat down, while Wade brought them up-to-date on the latest finding. Monet’s purse had been found, minus her keys and wallet, in a garbage can fifteen miles south of the hospital. Her car hadn’t been located yet. Wade concluded the meeting after asking if there were any questions, and there were not. He and Marcus left the room and headed to the elevator to see Monet.
    As they rode to the fifth floor, Wade said, “So far we’re making fair progress. We’ll follow the evidence, and eventually get our man. I don’t want you to do anything to compromise the case.”
    Marcus’s eyes seemed to focus on a far off place as Wade continued to speak. He just wished the odds the squad had provided had been more favorable than fair. To his way of thinking, good would have been better.
    â€œIn addition to the officers staying here at the hospital tonight, the chief has